What Happens to the Pocket After Breast Implant Removal?

Most patients who undergo breast implant removal surgery have the following experience:  the capsule surrounding the breast implants collapse and scar down.   This residual capsule tissue does not cause problems. If, on the other hand, thickened and/or calcified scar tissue is present, it is generlly best to remove this tissue along with the breast implants to prevent problems such as palatability of the scar tissue and/or interference with mammography studies. I hope this helps.

The breast capsule around a prosthesis is a normal body reaction. When the prosthesis is removed, the capsule can be sutured to the deeper tissue to "close" the space. If the capsule is very thick (as in someone who many have capsular contracture), then I would do a capsulectomy to remove all the capsule and then suture the tissue to "close" this space.
I would definitely use drains postop to decrease seroma formation. Also, the breast may need to be reshaped/tightened if there is laxity in the breast skin (mastopexy/lift). 

Hi! There are 2 options for explantation, implant removal while leaving the capsule or capsulectomy. The former lets microscopic amounts of gel to remain in the capsule and the latter will enable the surgeon to remove as much silicone as reasonable without creating significant deformity. However, this operation may require a larger incision and both surgery and recovery time will be longer. Technically, there will be excess skin from when your breast accommodated the size of the implants. So yes, the breasts will be smaller and sag after explantation. However, the shape and size of the breast will be unpredictable. It still varies greatly between patients because age, genetics, environment, skin elasticity, etc. will affect the results.There are other options such as breast lift, California Lift or natural breast augmentation (performed with fat grafting) if you are not satisfied with the result after explantation. It is best to consult your surgeon regarding this concern. #RealSelf100